Pat and I laugh about our first home decorating. We tease each other that while our peers were doing their homes in Early American, we were doing ours in Early Attic. Our stuff was found at curb sides, saved from decomposition in landfills. (Green people ought to love us!) A few pieces have survived three children and eight grandchildren. They remind us of a happy era and wonderful people.
“New” is special. I have been making a mental list of “new” experiences. A freshly washed the car feels new. New tires make the ride safer, but pleasingly new for a few miles. An old room with a fresh coat of paint has a new attraction. And, have you shared a small, but distinct pleasure of being the first to squeeze a new tube of toothpaste? I enjoy opening a new ream of paper, writing with a new disposable pen, or opening the morning newspaper are small pleasures for me.
And, then there are a few really BIG “news,” firsts that represent life-altering change. As I write this item, I am aware that it is unlikely that I will ever be a pastor again in the same manner that I have been for most of the past 45 years. I will write as frequently as possible with a pastor’s viewpoint and desire in my heart. But, this forum is new in a significant way.
Above my boyhood pastor’s head, on the rear wall of the sanctuary, was a banner which read, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17. At my bedside at age 5 or 6, in the middle of the night my father and mother prayed with me and the “new” began. And, it is still happening in me. The “old” is more “passed away” than it was when I began, and everything remains new.
Our plans are to travel to Phoenix for the General Council of the Assemblies of God this week. If we do not post something new before Monday, August 8th, it is because we are absorbing “new” and spending time with old-time friends. That never gets old!
Enjoy something new today! We expect to continue exploring and discovering too!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
When change is good
As our regular readers have learned, Pat and I have been processing many changes. The following message is being sent to members of Highway Tabernacle-Resurrection Life Church today. We will continue to write, but the audience will be a bit different. Please sign on to our blog as a “follower” or “member” if you have interest in reading our offerings. And, please enter the discussion when you are so inclined. Thanks!
Anne Sullivan, best known as Helen Keller’s teacher and companion, observed, “We imagine that we want to escape our selfish and commonplace existence, but we cling desperately to our chains.” We are quite comfortable with pointing out what could or should be different, but at the same time are slow to exert the necessary effort to affect that change. I am often that way, sadly.
Pat and I have been experiencing a season of change for several months now. Some days I remember the rather simple-minded man who cut off his dog’s tail one inch at a time, so it wouldn’t hurt so bad. We have slowly, incrementally, moved from the fast, noisy, multi-tasking life of big city pastors to, well, we are still trying to figure out what it is we are experiencing. While filling out change-of-address forms, arranging furniture in a new place, planting a garden for the first time in over 25 years, exploring new, best-fit Medicare supplement insurance policies, at the request of the deacons, we continued to write several “e-bulletins” weekly.
Happily, Highway Tabernacle - Resurrection Life Church has elected Mark Boucher as pastor. That is good! It is an answer to the prayers of many and will be celebrated for as long as Pastor Boucher serves the church. Pastor Boucher will communicate information, vision, and pastor messages in keeping with his experience and preparation for ministry. It is time for our communiques in this form to end.
My last words are taken from Philippians 1, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Pat and I assure you –
• The last twelve years have been the most fulfilling and memorable of the more than 45 years we have shared together. All our memories are good!
• Our prayers for you will go on.
• While the church’s history is rich, the future is greater. The good work will go on. The best is ahead!
• “The day of Jesus Christ” is the one day to which we look forward together. Pat and I will look for you among the 1000's of 1000's and tens of 1000's. We will sing, shout and wildly celebrate. The anthem has been written, rehearsals have begun, it won’t be long before we join the chorus singing, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5)
We say, “Goodby!” from this forum with joyful anticipation of what lies ahead. Pat and I love you, always!
Otto Wegner
P.S. If you would like to follow our blog, messages written to a wider audience, go to http://renewedcities.blogspot.com/
Anne Sullivan, best known as Helen Keller’s teacher and companion, observed, “We imagine that we want to escape our selfish and commonplace existence, but we cling desperately to our chains.” We are quite comfortable with pointing out what could or should be different, but at the same time are slow to exert the necessary effort to affect that change. I am often that way, sadly.
Pat and I have been experiencing a season of change for several months now. Some days I remember the rather simple-minded man who cut off his dog’s tail one inch at a time, so it wouldn’t hurt so bad. We have slowly, incrementally, moved from the fast, noisy, multi-tasking life of big city pastors to, well, we are still trying to figure out what it is we are experiencing. While filling out change-of-address forms, arranging furniture in a new place, planting a garden for the first time in over 25 years, exploring new, best-fit Medicare supplement insurance policies, at the request of the deacons, we continued to write several “e-bulletins” weekly.
Happily, Highway Tabernacle - Resurrection Life Church has elected Mark Boucher as pastor. That is good! It is an answer to the prayers of many and will be celebrated for as long as Pastor Boucher serves the church. Pastor Boucher will communicate information, vision, and pastor messages in keeping with his experience and preparation for ministry. It is time for our communiques in this form to end.
My last words are taken from Philippians 1, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Pat and I assure you –
• The last twelve years have been the most fulfilling and memorable of the more than 45 years we have shared together. All our memories are good!
• Our prayers for you will go on.
• While the church’s history is rich, the future is greater. The good work will go on. The best is ahead!
• “The day of Jesus Christ” is the one day to which we look forward together. Pat and I will look for you among the 1000's of 1000's and tens of 1000's. We will sing, shout and wildly celebrate. The anthem has been written, rehearsals have begun, it won’t be long before we join the chorus singing, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5)
We say, “Goodby!” from this forum with joyful anticipation of what lies ahead. Pat and I love you, always!
Otto Wegner
P.S. If you would like to follow our blog, messages written to a wider audience, go to http://renewedcities.blogspot.com/
Friday, July 22, 2011
The Presence of God's people and the presence of God
In 1715 Isaac Watts wrote the lyrics to “I Sing the Mighty Power of God,” and published the poem in Divine and Moral Songs for Children.
I sing the mighty power of God, that made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey.
I sing the goodness of the Lord, who filled the earth with food,
Who formed the creatures through the Word, and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye,
If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.
There’s not a plant or flower below, but makes Thy glories known,
And clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care;
And everywhere that we can be, Thou, God art present there.
The last words of the anthem, “And everywhere that we can be, Thou, God art present there,” helped form a deeply held conviction. We adopted a ministry theme that has served for the past two decades, “The presence of God’s people guarantees the presence of God.”
We, God’s people, are the temples of the Holy Spirit, the presence of God in this world. (1 Corinthians 6:19). Everywhere we go, God is present! The life applications are rich.
1. If we live with an awareness that God lives within, we will be vigilant about the reputation we establish as “God’s presence.” The preacher’s message often addresses the authority and blessing resulting from God within. The balance is that we in whom God lives are revealing the nature and acts of God to those who do not know Him.
2. Since God is light, and we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), we ought to be a redemptive influence. Our neighborhoods, workplaces, and recreation centers are to be flooded with the light of truth and blessing. The presence of God is present and powerful to referse the ravages of sin.
3. It is better for the world for those within whom God is present, to be widely distributed throughout all people. Consider how unpopular a mayor would be if he confiscated all the lights in his city and replaced it with a mega-watt bulb on top of city hall. Howe would people see to do daily chores in the dark? Yet, Christians thrive on clustering together and often fail to see they are effectively removing light from the place it is needed most.
4. The sounds of singing by Spirit-filled church-attending people were often heard in pre-air conditioned days. The joyful sounds of summer church services were driven outdoors through open windows, a simple reminder that the Word and worship were meant for the marketplace also.
5. Following the light analogy, we might consider the value of having ten churches of 200 placed in strategic neighborhoods being more effective than one church of 2000. The churches would be within reach of real people able to be touched and be moved with the feeling shared in real community. Is it time to consider the possibility that a smaller, properly ministering church is not something to be fixed, but to be celebrated because it is effectively distributing light to a dark place?
The great thing about writing is that one can present a subject, stir up thought, and have no concrete answers, and usually don’t hear too many objections! If we don’t have answers, maybe we should be begging for a venue, a forum for serious, prayerful consideration of some things that should be discussed.
In the meantime, I hope that many will memorize Mr. Watts lyrics and allow the present Holy Spirit create a liberal amount of thoughtful consideration to the themes suggested.
My favorite presentation of the ageless anthem can be heard at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33cWtJ-dCHs. I encourage you to take time to listen.
I sing the mighty power of God, that made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey.
I sing the goodness of the Lord, who filled the earth with food,
Who formed the creatures through the Word, and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed, where’er I turn my eye,
If I survey the ground I tread, or gaze upon the sky.
There’s not a plant or flower below, but makes Thy glories known,
And clouds arise, and tempests blow, by order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee is ever in Thy care;
And everywhere that we can be, Thou, God art present there.
The last words of the anthem, “And everywhere that we can be, Thou, God art present there,” helped form a deeply held conviction. We adopted a ministry theme that has served for the past two decades, “The presence of God’s people guarantees the presence of God.”
We, God’s people, are the temples of the Holy Spirit, the presence of God in this world. (1 Corinthians 6:19). Everywhere we go, God is present! The life applications are rich.
1. If we live with an awareness that God lives within, we will be vigilant about the reputation we establish as “God’s presence.” The preacher’s message often addresses the authority and blessing resulting from God within. The balance is that we in whom God lives are revealing the nature and acts of God to those who do not know Him.
2. Since God is light, and we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14), we ought to be a redemptive influence. Our neighborhoods, workplaces, and recreation centers are to be flooded with the light of truth and blessing. The presence of God is present and powerful to referse the ravages of sin.
3. It is better for the world for those within whom God is present, to be widely distributed throughout all people. Consider how unpopular a mayor would be if he confiscated all the lights in his city and replaced it with a mega-watt bulb on top of city hall. Howe would people see to do daily chores in the dark? Yet, Christians thrive on clustering together and often fail to see they are effectively removing light from the place it is needed most.
4. The sounds of singing by Spirit-filled church-attending people were often heard in pre-air conditioned days. The joyful sounds of summer church services were driven outdoors through open windows, a simple reminder that the Word and worship were meant for the marketplace also.
5. Following the light analogy, we might consider the value of having ten churches of 200 placed in strategic neighborhoods being more effective than one church of 2000. The churches would be within reach of real people able to be touched and be moved with the feeling shared in real community. Is it time to consider the possibility that a smaller, properly ministering church is not something to be fixed, but to be celebrated because it is effectively distributing light to a dark place?
The great thing about writing is that one can present a subject, stir up thought, and have no concrete answers, and usually don’t hear too many objections! If we don’t have answers, maybe we should be begging for a venue, a forum for serious, prayerful consideration of some things that should be discussed.
In the meantime, I hope that many will memorize Mr. Watts lyrics and allow the present Holy Spirit create a liberal amount of thoughtful consideration to the themes suggested.
My favorite presentation of the ageless anthem can be heard at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33cWtJ-dCHs. I encourage you to take time to listen.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Ma Taught Psalm One
My mother, Annie Wegner, was a remarkable lady. During the school year, Monday through Friday, Ma led a worship service with my brother and me. Our older sister and father were gone for the day, and the three of us read and memorized Scriptures and prayed before leaving for elementary school. Annie was an effective teacher. When the Sunday School superintendent issued a challenge for everyone to memorize the books of the Bible in order, I’m sure he thought it would take weeks to accomplish. The very next Sunday Ma happily marched us up to the superintendent to tell him we had mastered the assignment!
The three making up the quorum for church each weekday committed Psalm One to memory in the older King James Version. The Psalm still advises, cautions, encourages, and shares wisdom 60 years later. The world-class truths are wonderfully alive during restless nights and in waking hours. I have repeated the Psalm’s words to men and women before they exit this world and entered another. One man who made little attempt to honor God in his lifetime, listened intently while I quoted the verses at each visit over a period of months,
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”
A once scoffing, “I-have-no-time-for-that” hard-nosed agnostic softened with each visit. As I finished, my friend who was inching toward eternity often nodded in affirmation and said, “That’s good!” Someone probably had taught him the same Psalm in a confirmation class, or maybe his mother was like mine? The Psalmist’s wisdom was still echoing in his spirit. Alas, he failed to heed its counsel.
One thing I’ve noticed, one must discipline himself to appreciate and benefit from silence. “Meditating day and night” is a learned exercise as surely as hitting a 90 mile an hour fastball or reading a book. The nuances of Psalm One must marinate in ones spirit. Truth is not injected with a spiritual hypodermic needle. The counsel of Scripture that remains and affects our quality of life seeps in! Godly counsel can appear silly, until it gets past the conventional wisdom gathered from culture like the accumulated grime from an Arizona dust storm. The noisy marketplaces where we spend much of our lives are dominated by messages cleverly designed to overtake sound judgment. The pitch is, “Buy! Experience! Own! Lead!” The counsel of God is, “Give, learn, share, serve!”
One of Job’s laments is, “I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.” (3:26) I wonder, was Job politely asking his visitors to leave? The obverse is the fear of many social networkers today. Having a Facebook page with hundreds of “friends”, composing and reading endless e-mails daily, and being accessible to others twenty-four-seven is conventional, unchallenged standard operating procedure. But, I suggest that we are compelled by the Psalmist to set boundaries where the noises of the world and voices of family and friends cannot interrupt the Spirit who is intent on bringing Holy counsel to our lives. Stillness of spirit must permeate many hours, not the 30 minute “Quiet Time,” isolated from daily reality.
A walk down an ocean side boardwalk is a sensory attack with one vendor attempting to out-shout his neighbor. Do you wonder why restaurants have moved away from ambient music to full-speaker sound injections? Do we really need the tinny tweeters and thumping woofers urging us up and down aisles as we gather butter, briskets and bananas? Could multitasking runners avoid mixing sweat and heart beats with whatever is simultaneously pumped into the mind through ear buds? Is anyone else concerned about the deafness, physical and spiritual, of a generation which has mastered sound and ignored silence Rather than attempting to drown the noises of the world with more of our own, we might explore the prophet’s promise, “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” (Isaiah 32:17-18)
Ma, thanks for introducing me to Psalm One, and much more. My life is so much richer because of our simple morning church services on the living room sofa. My leaves are still green! My soul prospers. The cumulative effect of those 15 or 20 minute services are still informing me, frequently calling out to me. It happened again this morning.
The three making up the quorum for church each weekday committed Psalm One to memory in the older King James Version. The Psalm still advises, cautions, encourages, and shares wisdom 60 years later. The world-class truths are wonderfully alive during restless nights and in waking hours. I have repeated the Psalm’s words to men and women before they exit this world and entered another. One man who made little attempt to honor God in his lifetime, listened intently while I quoted the verses at each visit over a period of months,
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”
A once scoffing, “I-have-no-time-for-that” hard-nosed agnostic softened with each visit. As I finished, my friend who was inching toward eternity often nodded in affirmation and said, “That’s good!” Someone probably had taught him the same Psalm in a confirmation class, or maybe his mother was like mine? The Psalmist’s wisdom was still echoing in his spirit. Alas, he failed to heed its counsel.
One thing I’ve noticed, one must discipline himself to appreciate and benefit from silence. “Meditating day and night” is a learned exercise as surely as hitting a 90 mile an hour fastball or reading a book. The nuances of Psalm One must marinate in ones spirit. Truth is not injected with a spiritual hypodermic needle. The counsel of Scripture that remains and affects our quality of life seeps in! Godly counsel can appear silly, until it gets past the conventional wisdom gathered from culture like the accumulated grime from an Arizona dust storm. The noisy marketplaces where we spend much of our lives are dominated by messages cleverly designed to overtake sound judgment. The pitch is, “Buy! Experience! Own! Lead!” The counsel of God is, “Give, learn, share, serve!”
One of Job’s laments is, “I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.” (3:26) I wonder, was Job politely asking his visitors to leave? The obverse is the fear of many social networkers today. Having a Facebook page with hundreds of “friends”, composing and reading endless e-mails daily, and being accessible to others twenty-four-seven is conventional, unchallenged standard operating procedure. But, I suggest that we are compelled by the Psalmist to set boundaries where the noises of the world and voices of family and friends cannot interrupt the Spirit who is intent on bringing Holy counsel to our lives. Stillness of spirit must permeate many hours, not the 30 minute “Quiet Time,” isolated from daily reality.
A walk down an ocean side boardwalk is a sensory attack with one vendor attempting to out-shout his neighbor. Do you wonder why restaurants have moved away from ambient music to full-speaker sound injections? Do we really need the tinny tweeters and thumping woofers urging us up and down aisles as we gather butter, briskets and bananas? Could multitasking runners avoid mixing sweat and heart beats with whatever is simultaneously pumped into the mind through ear buds? Is anyone else concerned about the deafness, physical and spiritual, of a generation which has mastered sound and ignored silence Rather than attempting to drown the noises of the world with more of our own, we might explore the prophet’s promise, “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” (Isaiah 32:17-18)
Ma, thanks for introducing me to Psalm One, and much more. My life is so much richer because of our simple morning church services on the living room sofa. My leaves are still green! My soul prospers. The cumulative effect of those 15 or 20 minute services are still informing me, frequently calling out to me. It happened again this morning.
Monday, July 18, 2011
The power of the Holy Spirit to enable forgiveness
Last night was uneasy and restless. Pat and I retired at the usual hour but after I had slept less than an hour, I was awaken with a heavy burden the Holy Spirit placed upon me. I was led to pray through the night for several Pat and I know who have received God’s merciful forgiveness, but will not, or cannot, express the same toward others.
Through the night and early morning hours I was reminded of the father and lost son in Luke 15. The older King James Version, the Bible text of my youth, records, “And he (the one who is often called “Prodigal”) arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (Verse 20) Jesus’ parable is too simple to misunderstand and teaches all-important truths.
1. No grievance or wrong is beyond our Heavenly Father’s willingness or capacity to forgive. Paul reinforced the lesson in his letter to the Romans, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (5:6-8)
2. The Father’s forgiveness is immediate, no “waiting-to-see-if-you-mean-it” time lags. Unfortunately, those whose life experiences burdened me to intercede throughout the night are leveraging their hurt and extracting what our Father in Heaven never required of us.
3. Our Heavenly Father’s forgiveness includes full restoration. Think of it! There is no limitation placed on the child of God who in response to the Holy Spirit’s wooing returns to the Father! Rings a nd robes await all who return to the Father.
4. God’s forgiveness is filled with joyful promise, enough reason for looking ahead with a song and spirit of expectance. Consider John’s encouragement to all who have received the Father’s mercy. “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2) It will get even better than the best we know today!
5. The ones who have wounded others, while enjoying their new freedom and our Father’s acceptance, must also observe closely that they have wounded others. The Prodigal came home with a broken spirit and willing to serve his father as a hired hand. But, his brother still struggled and received the father’s rebuke. Our Father addressed the needs of both sons.
Forgiveness is not an easy exercise. In practical experience, I have observed people who nurtured a grudge and froze others out of the church’s or family’s circle of friendship and acceptance. They were crippled and unable to forgive, forget, and restore. On occasion spiritual siblings worshiping a few feet from each other refused to greet one another.
I learned an important lesson as a pre-teen boy listening to a camp meeting speaker who told the story of a couple who had one child, a son. When the son was old enough, the parents encouraged the boy to work a paper route. One collection day when the boy’s pockets were full of money, an older, stronger boy stole the money, and during the attack inflicted wounds which led to the son’s death. The parents grieved, and grew increasingly bitter because the object of their affection and hopes for a future with extended family were dashed. The angry, mother and father withdrew emotionally and refused to do anything except reinforce the memory of a heinous injustice. The man who told the story in my hearing was the family’s pastor. On communion Sunday, the pastor told of the love and forgiveness of our Heavenly Father. The Holy Spirit cut through the deadly bitterness and anger. The mercy of God cleansed and mended their broken spirits. As Christmas approached year, the once bitter and angry couple petitioned the court for permission to visit their son’s murderer. During their visit the parents extended forgiveness and later even took Christmas appropriate gifts. In time, the courts allowed the forgiving, Spirit-transformed couple to adopt the boy who had taken the life of their son.
The lesson has served me well for more than 50 years. Last night the Holy Spirit used the story to release faith in my spirit as I interceded for people who have been terribly wronged, who need the ministry of the Holy Spirit to enable them to forgive.
Through the night and early morning hours I was reminded of the father and lost son in Luke 15. The older King James Version, the Bible text of my youth, records, “And he (the one who is often called “Prodigal”) arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. (Verse 20) Jesus’ parable is too simple to misunderstand and teaches all-important truths.
1. No grievance or wrong is beyond our Heavenly Father’s willingness or capacity to forgive. Paul reinforced the lesson in his letter to the Romans, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (5:6-8)
2. The Father’s forgiveness is immediate, no “waiting-to-see-if-you-mean-it” time lags. Unfortunately, those whose life experiences burdened me to intercede throughout the night are leveraging their hurt and extracting what our Father in Heaven never required of us.
3. Our Heavenly Father’s forgiveness includes full restoration. Think of it! There is no limitation placed on the child of God who in response to the Holy Spirit’s wooing returns to the Father! Rings a nd robes await all who return to the Father.
4. God’s forgiveness is filled with joyful promise, enough reason for looking ahead with a song and spirit of expectance. Consider John’s encouragement to all who have received the Father’s mercy. “Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2) It will get even better than the best we know today!
5. The ones who have wounded others, while enjoying their new freedom and our Father’s acceptance, must also observe closely that they have wounded others. The Prodigal came home with a broken spirit and willing to serve his father as a hired hand. But, his brother still struggled and received the father’s rebuke. Our Father addressed the needs of both sons.
Forgiveness is not an easy exercise. In practical experience, I have observed people who nurtured a grudge and froze others out of the church’s or family’s circle of friendship and acceptance. They were crippled and unable to forgive, forget, and restore. On occasion spiritual siblings worshiping a few feet from each other refused to greet one another.
I learned an important lesson as a pre-teen boy listening to a camp meeting speaker who told the story of a couple who had one child, a son. When the son was old enough, the parents encouraged the boy to work a paper route. One collection day when the boy’s pockets were full of money, an older, stronger boy stole the money, and during the attack inflicted wounds which led to the son’s death. The parents grieved, and grew increasingly bitter because the object of their affection and hopes for a future with extended family were dashed. The angry, mother and father withdrew emotionally and refused to do anything except reinforce the memory of a heinous injustice. The man who told the story in my hearing was the family’s pastor. On communion Sunday, the pastor told of the love and forgiveness of our Heavenly Father. The Holy Spirit cut through the deadly bitterness and anger. The mercy of God cleansed and mended their broken spirits. As Christmas approached year, the once bitter and angry couple petitioned the court for permission to visit their son’s murderer. During their visit the parents extended forgiveness and later even took Christmas appropriate gifts. In time, the courts allowed the forgiving, Spirit-transformed couple to adopt the boy who had taken the life of their son.
The lesson has served me well for more than 50 years. Last night the Holy Spirit used the story to release faith in my spirit as I interceded for people who have been terribly wronged, who need the ministry of the Holy Spirit to enable them to forgive.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Live to Give!
The conventional wisdom in preacher conversation is, “If you want visitors in church, preach about money.” The sequel is, “If you do, you will never see them again.” For that reason, some will avoid the subject or become apologetic.
Giving is a theological issue. Those who are born of the Spirit and filled with the Spirit lead the world in giving as a direct result of the Spirit. It is inescapable! When the power of the Spirit is applied in those who come to God for salvation, he becomes a new man. A large banner hung on the wall in my boyhood church on which 2 Corinthians 5:17 emblazoned, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” Nothing should affect Spirit-filled people more aversely than having someone assume that they have not learned to follow the Spirit, that they are reluctant to give. Pentecostal people are givers by virtue of being born of the Spirit and filled with the Spirit. In short, the “getter” become a “giver.” Paul wrote to the Ephesian church, “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” (4:28) Giving is both evidence that a person is truly born of the Spirit and a gift of the Spirit needed in the congregation.
True spiritual giving is an investment. If one gives something away, no return is expected. The gift is gone. But, when one gives to God’s work, God promises a return. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38) Conventional wisdom says, “Someday, when I have more, I’ll give.” Listen to Paul’s accolade for the Macedonians, “We want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) Expect God to bless!
Giving is better than getting. And, by extension, spending time with givers is far better than being trapped with a getter. “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:33-35) One recommendation, we might begin asking ourselves, “How have I given today?” Or, “Who is better off because of how I spent my life today?”
Many have heard me say, repeatedly, “Dogs bark, fish swim, lions roar and Christians give.” One does not need to overcome reluctance to give in Jesus’ disciples, unless the need presented is spurious. Spirit-filled people have an extra spiritual sense and discern between authentic need and something lacking true substance or legitimacy. As a boy, my parents took our family to a tent meeting. My brother and I were curious and wanted to see what attracted the crowds. The ministry team sang and played an array of instruments but abruptly switched to multiple appeals for money. Each team member added manipulative pressure, insisting that a large accordion case be filled with money before prayer would be offered for the sick or a sermon be preached. Dad led our family in a hasty exit before long. My father was a man who regularly emptied his wallet for legitimate need but demonstrated no patience for what he called “those hucksters.” If the appeal is manipulative, spiritual sensitivities should be on alert.
Conversely, when the need is real and the person asking asks negatively, the one appealing is often revealing his own reluctance or lack of faith assumes others are like him. The converse is also true. Some making huge appeals, authentically and passionately, will lead others to give, surprisingly more than the stated need is given.
Let us find someone to whom we may give our lives today. Let us live to give!
Giving is a theological issue. Those who are born of the Spirit and filled with the Spirit lead the world in giving as a direct result of the Spirit. It is inescapable! When the power of the Spirit is applied in those who come to God for salvation, he becomes a new man. A large banner hung on the wall in my boyhood church on which 2 Corinthians 5:17 emblazoned, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” Nothing should affect Spirit-filled people more aversely than having someone assume that they have not learned to follow the Spirit, that they are reluctant to give. Pentecostal people are givers by virtue of being born of the Spirit and filled with the Spirit. In short, the “getter” become a “giver.” Paul wrote to the Ephesian church, “He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.” (4:28) Giving is both evidence that a person is truly born of the Spirit and a gift of the Spirit needed in the congregation.
True spiritual giving is an investment. If one gives something away, no return is expected. The gift is gone. But, when one gives to God’s work, God promises a return. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38) Conventional wisdom says, “Someday, when I have more, I’ll give.” Listen to Paul’s accolade for the Macedonians, “We want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) Expect God to bless!
Giving is better than getting. And, by extension, spending time with givers is far better than being trapped with a getter. “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:33-35) One recommendation, we might begin asking ourselves, “How have I given today?” Or, “Who is better off because of how I spent my life today?”
Many have heard me say, repeatedly, “Dogs bark, fish swim, lions roar and Christians give.” One does not need to overcome reluctance to give in Jesus’ disciples, unless the need presented is spurious. Spirit-filled people have an extra spiritual sense and discern between authentic need and something lacking true substance or legitimacy. As a boy, my parents took our family to a tent meeting. My brother and I were curious and wanted to see what attracted the crowds. The ministry team sang and played an array of instruments but abruptly switched to multiple appeals for money. Each team member added manipulative pressure, insisting that a large accordion case be filled with money before prayer would be offered for the sick or a sermon be preached. Dad led our family in a hasty exit before long. My father was a man who regularly emptied his wallet for legitimate need but demonstrated no patience for what he called “those hucksters.” If the appeal is manipulative, spiritual sensitivities should be on alert.
Conversely, when the need is real and the person asking asks negatively, the one appealing is often revealing his own reluctance or lack of faith assumes others are like him. The converse is also true. Some making huge appeals, authentically and passionately, will lead others to give, surprisingly more than the stated need is given.
Let us find someone to whom we may give our lives today. Let us live to give!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Shine as stars!
The All Star Game, the annual Major League Baseball summer classic, features the best of the best players representing their respective leagues. Last night’s contest featured the Phillies pitchers, Halladay and Lee, who lived up to expectations. But, it was a mammoth first baseman from Milwaukee, Prince Fielder, who took Most Valuable Player honors by hitting the game-winning home run. I found it interesting that a pitcher who earns over $17 million per season, and a near all-star this year, was traded for cash and two players to be named later while the game was being played. The ways of professional sports must wear away on the players’ psyches.
Saint Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” (2:12-16)
The simple word picture will serve us well, if we apply the lessons.
Lesson One: Stars are suns. Suns are balls of gas and other matter still be being analyzed by scientists. A reaction within the sun’s matter generates heat and light continuously. The action is on-going, often increasing in intensity. On the other hand, moons are like mirrors, reflecting light from another source. When the Apostle calls God’s people suns, he is affirming that the life and light of God is within, continuously increasing, burning, emitting light. Some posing as Jesus’ disciples find satisfaction with standing near another saint and reflecting another’s light, but true saints have their own light within. Didn’t the Baptist say, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire?” (Matthew 3:11) Stars have a fire in the depths of their being.
Lesson Two: Stars do their best work at night. We sometimes speak about how the “stars come out at night.” Stars are not in hiding in daylight hours, their lights are simply dwarfed by a larger star, our sun. Growing up in a large industrial city, I thought that there were only a handful of stars because only the brightest stars were able to penetrate the urban haze and artificial lights of the city. But, a visit to a family farm introduced me to the marvel of thousands of stars lighting the night. The application is obvious, Christians ought to seek dark places to live, work, play and build friendships because stars do their best work in the dark. If we want to make our lives count, we must confront our inclination to find warmly lit places of comfort and convenience, and aggressively seek out places to let our light shine. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Lesson Three: Stars must stay in their own orbit. Most of us know someone who shined bright for a season and then, like a meteor or “shooting star,” flamed out as they left their proper orbit. Many are familiar with the term for short-lived stars is “flash in the pan” or “weekend wonder.” Some acquire the reputation because of compromised values and corrupted virtues which drew a perfectly good star off course. Others allowed the cares of life change their trajectory and the once bright light within was snuffed out by winds of adversity. And, some attempt to be someone they were not designed to be. But, I think that most often, we seek out a place of minimal stress and nurture our own desires, reducing a potentially powerful light to a smoldering “what could have been” curiosity. Saint Paul calls out to us, “ ... continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Sure it is rigorous! Maintaining orbit requires vigilance and expends energy. But, those who “continue to work” will enjoy their orbit of influence and be around for effective living for a long, long time!
Tomorrow Major League All Stars will suit up and face the rigors of the second half of the season. The stretching, sprinting, weight lifting, film viewing ... all that it takes to stay in the lofty orbit of the major leagues will be resumed today. True sports stars will do it without complaining, or they will soon fall out of the orbit enjoyed by very few. The lessons are simple. It is our responsibility to obey what the Holy Spirit brings to us light-increasing, orbit-refining truth.
Saint Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” (2:12-16)
The simple word picture will serve us well, if we apply the lessons.
Lesson One: Stars are suns. Suns are balls of gas and other matter still be being analyzed by scientists. A reaction within the sun’s matter generates heat and light continuously. The action is on-going, often increasing in intensity. On the other hand, moons are like mirrors, reflecting light from another source. When the Apostle calls God’s people suns, he is affirming that the life and light of God is within, continuously increasing, burning, emitting light. Some posing as Jesus’ disciples find satisfaction with standing near another saint and reflecting another’s light, but true saints have their own light within. Didn’t the Baptist say, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire?” (Matthew 3:11) Stars have a fire in the depths of their being.
Lesson Two: Stars do their best work at night. We sometimes speak about how the “stars come out at night.” Stars are not in hiding in daylight hours, their lights are simply dwarfed by a larger star, our sun. Growing up in a large industrial city, I thought that there were only a handful of stars because only the brightest stars were able to penetrate the urban haze and artificial lights of the city. But, a visit to a family farm introduced me to the marvel of thousands of stars lighting the night. The application is obvious, Christians ought to seek dark places to live, work, play and build friendships because stars do their best work in the dark. If we want to make our lives count, we must confront our inclination to find warmly lit places of comfort and convenience, and aggressively seek out places to let our light shine. (Matthew 5:14-16)
Lesson Three: Stars must stay in their own orbit. Most of us know someone who shined bright for a season and then, like a meteor or “shooting star,” flamed out as they left their proper orbit. Many are familiar with the term for short-lived stars is “flash in the pan” or “weekend wonder.” Some acquire the reputation because of compromised values and corrupted virtues which drew a perfectly good star off course. Others allowed the cares of life change their trajectory and the once bright light within was snuffed out by winds of adversity. And, some attempt to be someone they were not designed to be. But, I think that most often, we seek out a place of minimal stress and nurture our own desires, reducing a potentially powerful light to a smoldering “what could have been” curiosity. Saint Paul calls out to us, “ ... continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” Sure it is rigorous! Maintaining orbit requires vigilance and expends energy. But, those who “continue to work” will enjoy their orbit of influence and be around for effective living for a long, long time!
Tomorrow Major League All Stars will suit up and face the rigors of the second half of the season. The stretching, sprinting, weight lifting, film viewing ... all that it takes to stay in the lofty orbit of the major leagues will be resumed today. True sports stars will do it without complaining, or they will soon fall out of the orbit enjoyed by very few. The lessons are simple. It is our responsibility to obey what the Holy Spirit brings to us light-increasing, orbit-refining truth.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Help for decision making
An anecdote I recall hearing as a boy involved a young man and his friends visiting a carnival where a palm reader was plying her wares. On a whim, the group asked the seer reveal their future. When the last man held out his palm, the seer said, “I cannot get a clear sign about you.” The man had recently committed his life to Jesus and was filled with the Holy Spirit.
In spite of advanced technology and sophisticated science, people remain curious about their future, seek guidance about a pending decision and remain fascinated with horoscopes and fortune tellers. It is evidence of the fact that we all are spiritual at our very core. It is common to feel helpless or confused when facing a difficult, life-changing decision. The anxiety level is often in direct proportion to the weightiness of the choice to be made. A few examples of weighty choices are, “What school or college should I attend?” Later we may ask, “Who should I marry, and when?” In time we may ask, “Where should we purchase a house?” And, “What doctor is best for us, and which medications or treatments will be effective?”
Churches make weighty decisions as well. A choices may include doctrinal issues, real estate purchases, capital improvements, curriculum options, ministries to offer and identifying a new pastor.
How should we make decisions, or commit to a course of action, with an assurance that the Lord is directing our steps?
• Apply God’s Word. No one has mastered every nuance of the Word, but the Holy Spirit will apply all the Biblical knowledge we have hidden away in our hearts. If the Bible proscribes, or forbids something, waste no time praying about doing it. The same is true if the Bible prescribes, or encourages us to do something. When a choice looms before us is not a good time to search the Scriptures as a student cramming for an exam. We must draw on the reserves of Bible knowledge already in place. I have remembered the counsel of Bible-based sermons, or truths read, which I thought I had forgotten. The Holy Spirit has repeatedly brought the right information, counsel, attitude, and faith from His Word in seasons of decision-making.
• Listen to the Spirit. Paul encouraged the Romans with, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (8:16) We can be as comfortable in conversation with God as we are with our parents! We all know people who have been drawn away by false promises, fading beauties, or fickle values. The Spirit of God reliably leads us into truth, affirms what is right, and directs the paths of those who listen to Him. As Pat and I faced big decisions, we prayed until the Spirit assured us and allowed us to move forward in peace. We didn’t always know how things would work our, but we trusted the Spirit. He has repeatedly used friends, a serendipitous publication, a “word fitly spoken as apples of gold, pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)
• Follow leaders. Leadership is God’s gift. Those who spend their time undermining the credibility of leaders will never fully benefit from the blessings God delivers through those assigned to lead. In the political arena, prayer for leaders will do more good than anything else. I have served under four general superintendents and ten different district superintendents, and am convinced that as I followed obediently, not blindly, God blessed me. Superintendents, presbyters, pastors and deacons are gifts from the Lord to the church to bless the church. I may not always understand why leaders lead as they do, but I am committed to obedience. Happiness is not found in understanding, joy is rooted in obedience. Follow leaders.
• Be boldly positive! Expect better days, improved results, peace that surpasses understanding, and an improvement over everything yet experienced. Some will want to revisit decisions already made, asking, “What if ...?” Don’t waste your time! Once a decision is made live with the consequences. The Lord who makes everything work together for good even makes our mistakes good. The past cannot be undone. We walk with Jesus who shepherds us into a future too good for us to imagine. Enjoy the school you’ve chosen, the bride or groom you married, the fixer-upper you purchased, and the doctor who treats you. If you are choosing a new leader, expect the new to be superior to the old!
Those who crowded around Jesus asked for signs. Some still are getting the proverbial cart before the horse saying, “If I saw a miracle, a real authentic and inexplicable miracle, I would believe on Jesus.” Not so! Those who sought a sign witnessed Jesus giving blind people their sight, deaf people hearing, lame men strength to walk, and the dead return to life – and still shouted, “Crucify Him!” Make decisions based on God’s Word, listen to the Holy Spirit, follow leaders, and expect the best!
By the way, the young man mentioned in the first paragraph, the one saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, he was my father. Mom and Dad’s legacies overflow with good decisions.
In spite of advanced technology and sophisticated science, people remain curious about their future, seek guidance about a pending decision and remain fascinated with horoscopes and fortune tellers. It is evidence of the fact that we all are spiritual at our very core. It is common to feel helpless or confused when facing a difficult, life-changing decision. The anxiety level is often in direct proportion to the weightiness of the choice to be made. A few examples of weighty choices are, “What school or college should I attend?” Later we may ask, “Who should I marry, and when?” In time we may ask, “Where should we purchase a house?” And, “What doctor is best for us, and which medications or treatments will be effective?”
Churches make weighty decisions as well. A choices may include doctrinal issues, real estate purchases, capital improvements, curriculum options, ministries to offer and identifying a new pastor.
How should we make decisions, or commit to a course of action, with an assurance that the Lord is directing our steps?
• Apply God’s Word. No one has mastered every nuance of the Word, but the Holy Spirit will apply all the Biblical knowledge we have hidden away in our hearts. If the Bible proscribes, or forbids something, waste no time praying about doing it. The same is true if the Bible prescribes, or encourages us to do something. When a choice looms before us is not a good time to search the Scriptures as a student cramming for an exam. We must draw on the reserves of Bible knowledge already in place. I have remembered the counsel of Bible-based sermons, or truths read, which I thought I had forgotten. The Holy Spirit has repeatedly brought the right information, counsel, attitude, and faith from His Word in seasons of decision-making.
• Listen to the Spirit. Paul encouraged the Romans with, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” (8:16) We can be as comfortable in conversation with God as we are with our parents! We all know people who have been drawn away by false promises, fading beauties, or fickle values. The Spirit of God reliably leads us into truth, affirms what is right, and directs the paths of those who listen to Him. As Pat and I faced big decisions, we prayed until the Spirit assured us and allowed us to move forward in peace. We didn’t always know how things would work our, but we trusted the Spirit. He has repeatedly used friends, a serendipitous publication, a “word fitly spoken as apples of gold, pictures of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11)
• Follow leaders. Leadership is God’s gift. Those who spend their time undermining the credibility of leaders will never fully benefit from the blessings God delivers through those assigned to lead. In the political arena, prayer for leaders will do more good than anything else. I have served under four general superintendents and ten different district superintendents, and am convinced that as I followed obediently, not blindly, God blessed me. Superintendents, presbyters, pastors and deacons are gifts from the Lord to the church to bless the church. I may not always understand why leaders lead as they do, but I am committed to obedience. Happiness is not found in understanding, joy is rooted in obedience. Follow leaders.
• Be boldly positive! Expect better days, improved results, peace that surpasses understanding, and an improvement over everything yet experienced. Some will want to revisit decisions already made, asking, “What if ...?” Don’t waste your time! Once a decision is made live with the consequences. The Lord who makes everything work together for good even makes our mistakes good. The past cannot be undone. We walk with Jesus who shepherds us into a future too good for us to imagine. Enjoy the school you’ve chosen, the bride or groom you married, the fixer-upper you purchased, and the doctor who treats you. If you are choosing a new leader, expect the new to be superior to the old!
Those who crowded around Jesus asked for signs. Some still are getting the proverbial cart before the horse saying, “If I saw a miracle, a real authentic and inexplicable miracle, I would believe on Jesus.” Not so! Those who sought a sign witnessed Jesus giving blind people their sight, deaf people hearing, lame men strength to walk, and the dead return to life – and still shouted, “Crucify Him!” Make decisions based on God’s Word, listen to the Holy Spirit, follow leaders, and expect the best!
By the way, the young man mentioned in the first paragraph, the one saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, he was my father. Mom and Dad’s legacies overflow with good decisions.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Public reading of Scripture
Serious disciples of Jesus experience seasons of longing, aching for a fresh sense of God’s presence. We speak of “blessing” or “revival” with desire. I have called the seasons “dry spells,” Artaxerxes called it “sadness of heart.” No sin is to be confessed, but something is clearly missing. Congregations experience “dry spells” too. I am suggesting an antidote for those seasons when prayers seem impotent and fail seem to penetrate the paint on the ceiling, when corporate worship is fluid, but ineffective in lifting burdens or instilling hope.
Nehemiah recorded the experiences of his weary and disheartened volunteers. For months they had been repairing the walls of Jerusalem under daunting conditions.
• Opposition, especially taunting affects morale when people “work with all their heart.” False accusations cannot be combatted and drain the spirit. Intimidation is intended to destroy, and often does. (4:6; chapter 6)
• Weariness affects the spirit. The workers took turns protecting their projects by posting round-the-clock guards. Sleep-deprived, the spirit of the volunteers was affected and Sanballat’s constant interference gained traction. – (4:10)
• Multitasking divides energy, gnaws away at stamina. Trowels and spears are as compatible as speeding drivers and police officer’s radar guns! (4:13ff.)
• Debt is burdensome. Volunteers had to sustain families and remained subject to taxes while they pursued a noble cause. (chapter 5)
The work was completed. The organizational genius of Nehemiah was validated and his courage proven. After more than six months of grueling work in extreme circumstances, a platform was built and Ezra was called on to read the Book of the Law of Moses. “He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.” (8:3) And then, the Spirit of God refreshed the spirit of the people! “Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, ‘Amen! Amen!’ Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” (8:5-6) The “dry spell” was over!
The Word of God is refreshing, renewing, reviving. Human spirit responds to Holy Spirit as God’s Word is heard and honored. Saint Paul wrote to Timothy, “Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:11-13)
When Scripture is read well and aloud, with feeling, anointed by the Spirit, it works wonders in people! A great resource for learning to read the Word aloud in public worship is Max McLean’s, Unleashing the Word: Rediscovering the Public Reading of Scripture. I highly recommend it! The potential for spiritual renewal in the public reading of God’s Word is immeasurable.
Nehemiah recorded the experiences of his weary and disheartened volunteers. For months they had been repairing the walls of Jerusalem under daunting conditions.
• Opposition, especially taunting affects morale when people “work with all their heart.” False accusations cannot be combatted and drain the spirit. Intimidation is intended to destroy, and often does. (4:6; chapter 6)
• Weariness affects the spirit. The workers took turns protecting their projects by posting round-the-clock guards. Sleep-deprived, the spirit of the volunteers was affected and Sanballat’s constant interference gained traction. – (4:10)
• Multitasking divides energy, gnaws away at stamina. Trowels and spears are as compatible as speeding drivers and police officer’s radar guns! (4:13ff.)
• Debt is burdensome. Volunteers had to sustain families and remained subject to taxes while they pursued a noble cause. (chapter 5)
The work was completed. The organizational genius of Nehemiah was validated and his courage proven. After more than six months of grueling work in extreme circumstances, a platform was built and Ezra was called on to read the Book of the Law of Moses. “He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.” (8:3) And then, the Spirit of God refreshed the spirit of the people! “Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, ‘Amen! Amen!’ Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” (8:5-6) The “dry spell” was over!
The Word of God is refreshing, renewing, reviving. Human spirit responds to Holy Spirit as God’s Word is heard and honored. Saint Paul wrote to Timothy, “Command and teach these things. Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.” (1 Timothy 4:11-13)
When Scripture is read well and aloud, with feeling, anointed by the Spirit, it works wonders in people! A great resource for learning to read the Word aloud in public worship is Max McLean’s, Unleashing the Word: Rediscovering the Public Reading of Scripture. I highly recommend it! The potential for spiritual renewal in the public reading of God’s Word is immeasurable.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
A song to sing when we are troubled
Psalm 46 has been a source of comfort and faith for centuries. The opening verses celebrate God’s presence and strength.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
It is important to remember that –
• Troubles come! No one is exempt. Both good and evil, rich and poor, Asians and Occidentals as well as young and old understand trouble. When I get to thinking that my troubles are greater and unlike anyone else’s, I ask myself, “Why should my life be better than everyone else’s?”
• Troubles can be intense. The word pictures of the Psalmist are graphically descriptive. All who have heard the pounding of the ocean’s surf, have been felt the waves that can suck one away from the sandy beach, or have felt the tremors of an earthquake, can hear the sounds of trouble and know the ominous feeling – troubles are real! Illnesses touch good people and it never seems fair. Those who keep fastidious financial records and are vigilant with their accounts get pulled downward when banks flounder and national economies collapse. The most wary and savvy can be duped by evil charlatans. And, sometimes we are in trouble because of our own misjudgments and character flaws.
• God is present in troubling times. Haven’t you had experiences that you would never want to repeat? And, have you, like me, grown in the ways of the Lord in the trouble? James chapter one reinforces the Psalmist. One of the Lord’s Names is Emanuel, God is with us! The Twelve feared for their lives while Jesus slept. When awakened, Jesus spoke to the storm and peace was restored.
• Learn to hear God’s voice in peaceful times. Knowing what to do in times of special challenge is learned while we converse with the Lord before the storms rage. We cannot afford to wait until the emergency occurs to discover how to respond correctly. One must establish the rhythms of wisdom which include daily obeying the Lord’s Word, establishing a sensitivity to the leading of the Spirit in routine issues, and developing reliable counsel among trusted friends before a crisis challenges. When the big troubles come one is prepared and can sing with the Psalmist, “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”
• Expect the best! A line from a biography of the great Gospel singer, Ethel Waters, says, “God don’t birth no failures honey!” Think about it friends, we are still here, in spite of all the troubles we’ve known. Just think, we cannot remember what troubles kept us awake even a few days ago. The Psalm ends with rousing assurance, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
Jesus’ disciples know that if we aren’t here tomorrow, we’ll be in heaven. How great is that? We get to go home from work early, with pay! Look up! Smile! It will be alright!
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
It is important to remember that –
• Troubles come! No one is exempt. Both good and evil, rich and poor, Asians and Occidentals as well as young and old understand trouble. When I get to thinking that my troubles are greater and unlike anyone else’s, I ask myself, “Why should my life be better than everyone else’s?”
• Troubles can be intense. The word pictures of the Psalmist are graphically descriptive. All who have heard the pounding of the ocean’s surf, have been felt the waves that can suck one away from the sandy beach, or have felt the tremors of an earthquake, can hear the sounds of trouble and know the ominous feeling – troubles are real! Illnesses touch good people and it never seems fair. Those who keep fastidious financial records and are vigilant with their accounts get pulled downward when banks flounder and national economies collapse. The most wary and savvy can be duped by evil charlatans. And, sometimes we are in trouble because of our own misjudgments and character flaws.
• God is present in troubling times. Haven’t you had experiences that you would never want to repeat? And, have you, like me, grown in the ways of the Lord in the trouble? James chapter one reinforces the Psalmist. One of the Lord’s Names is Emanuel, God is with us! The Twelve feared for their lives while Jesus slept. When awakened, Jesus spoke to the storm and peace was restored.
• Learn to hear God’s voice in peaceful times. Knowing what to do in times of special challenge is learned while we converse with the Lord before the storms rage. We cannot afford to wait until the emergency occurs to discover how to respond correctly. One must establish the rhythms of wisdom which include daily obeying the Lord’s Word, establishing a sensitivity to the leading of the Spirit in routine issues, and developing reliable counsel among trusted friends before a crisis challenges. When the big troubles come one is prepared and can sing with the Psalmist, “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”
• Expect the best! A line from a biography of the great Gospel singer, Ethel Waters, says, “God don’t birth no failures honey!” Think about it friends, we are still here, in spite of all the troubles we’ve known. Just think, we cannot remember what troubles kept us awake even a few days ago. The Psalm ends with rousing assurance, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”
Jesus’ disciples know that if we aren’t here tomorrow, we’ll be in heaven. How great is that? We get to go home from work early, with pay! Look up! Smile! It will be alright!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Simple religion
James 1:16-17 is a succinct combination of warning and statement to which we might be wise to give added attention. The verses state simply, Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. The warning is against deception, “Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers.” When we accomplish something noteworthy our natural tendency is to step back and modestly boast (How is that for an oxymoron?), “Look at what I have done!” We impress ourselves easily. And, we share a natural desire to be applauded by others. Recognition, awards and affirmation – the more public, the better – are expected. Even church workers fall prey to extrinsic motivation. James simply stated, “Be careful with taking credit for something.”
A sobering statement follows on the heels of the warning, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,” or, “Don’t take credit for what you didn’t do. If it’s good, it didn’t start with you!” Good always starts with God!
Is it time to consider how complicated we have made the “good” James says is worthy of our lives? Verse 27 ought to be a red letter alert, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” It is interesting that many suffer from a “let down” when a large project is successfully completed. Could it be because the project is affirmed by others, but is not deemed significant by the One who calls to His service? Or, we hear a muted, or inaudible consensus, “Well, that’s done, what’s next?”
A few questions we might profitably ask ourselves include –
• How are my strategies and efforts addressing the religion God applauds working in the market place where people’s needs are?
• Am I doing things because of the applause or recognition of others? Or, am I at rest in my soul because I am obedient to Him who gives me assignments?
• How valid are contemporary institutional expectations and measurements? Or, who can prove that something is better because it is bigger?
• Why do I crave the approval of others, sometimes more than the smile of God?
• Is an individual I know, and with whom I have spoken recently, better equipped to deal with life because I personally shared in their need?
• Am I content to do my best where I am today, doing what I can today?
• Do I give money to charities but refuse to give my time touching people the charity is representing?
It seems to me that we have a tendency to wander away from the simplicity of what pleases God. Like Pat, my wife of almost 45 years, is fond of saying, “I’m just thinking out loud?”
A sobering statement follows on the heels of the warning, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,” or, “Don’t take credit for what you didn’t do. If it’s good, it didn’t start with you!” Good always starts with God!
Is it time to consider how complicated we have made the “good” James says is worthy of our lives? Verse 27 ought to be a red letter alert, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” It is interesting that many suffer from a “let down” when a large project is successfully completed. Could it be because the project is affirmed by others, but is not deemed significant by the One who calls to His service? Or, we hear a muted, or inaudible consensus, “Well, that’s done, what’s next?”
A few questions we might profitably ask ourselves include –
• How are my strategies and efforts addressing the religion God applauds working in the market place where people’s needs are?
• Am I doing things because of the applause or recognition of others? Or, am I at rest in my soul because I am obedient to Him who gives me assignments?
• How valid are contemporary institutional expectations and measurements? Or, who can prove that something is better because it is bigger?
• Why do I crave the approval of others, sometimes more than the smile of God?
• Is an individual I know, and with whom I have spoken recently, better equipped to deal with life because I personally shared in their need?
• Am I content to do my best where I am today, doing what I can today?
• Do I give money to charities but refuse to give my time touching people the charity is representing?
It seems to me that we have a tendency to wander away from the simplicity of what pleases God. Like Pat, my wife of almost 45 years, is fond of saying, “I’m just thinking out loud?”
Friday, July 1, 2011
"He did it for you!"
Happy Fourth of July!
This weekend’s events will be filled with parades elaborate and quaint; family picnics, complete with frisbee, badminton and whiffle ball competitions; hours on sandy beaches; fireworks; baseball and your favorite activities.
For more than two decades our family lived in Bergen County, New Jersey, which abuts New York City, and then over a decade in historic Philadelphia. We are familiar with historic markers, reminders of events which paved the way for national independence and people who led courageously and died heroically. But, we grew accustomed to special sites and overlooked reminders of valor. It wasn’t right to grow callous, thoughtlessly numb to something so precious as personal and national freedom, it just happened as we lived busily. We carelessly became more concerned with dropping clothes off at the dry cleaners and picking up carry-out Chinese dinners and forgot what had happened many years before.
This Sunday, July 3rd, is also “First Sunday,” in churches across the United States. “First Sunday” is traditionally Communion Sunday, when Jesus’ disciples pause to remember Gethsemane, His crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Millions of church goers will “Do this in remembrance of me.” I recently read Choose Love, Not Power, authored by Anthony Campolo. In the book, Campolo relates a story about Communion from his childhood. He and his family were seated behind a lady who became noticeably uneasy as the pastor preached about sin, some of which the lady was apparently guilty. She wept and refused to take a piece of bread and a cup when the symbols of Jesus’ body and blood passed through the pew where she sat. As he observed the lady refusing to partake, Dr. Compolo’s father leaned over the pew and said, “You take it! He did it for you!”
If we were in Philadelphia this weekend, Pat and I would attend a Philly Pops concert on Independence Mall. It is always world class. She and I will never forget the display of fireworks in New York City. We have made plans to be in church this Sunday and I am looking forward to Communion. I’ll take the emblems of the Lord’s body and blood, eat and drink, because “He did it for me.” National freedom has been secured with many lives. Eternal freedom has been purchased by One. I don’t ever want to forget or become spiritually callous, but remember deeply, observe deliberately, and worship humbly.
We’ll see you in church! “He did it for you!”
This weekend’s events will be filled with parades elaborate and quaint; family picnics, complete with frisbee, badminton and whiffle ball competitions; hours on sandy beaches; fireworks; baseball and your favorite activities.
For more than two decades our family lived in Bergen County, New Jersey, which abuts New York City, and then over a decade in historic Philadelphia. We are familiar with historic markers, reminders of events which paved the way for national independence and people who led courageously and died heroically. But, we grew accustomed to special sites and overlooked reminders of valor. It wasn’t right to grow callous, thoughtlessly numb to something so precious as personal and national freedom, it just happened as we lived busily. We carelessly became more concerned with dropping clothes off at the dry cleaners and picking up carry-out Chinese dinners and forgot what had happened many years before.
This Sunday, July 3rd, is also “First Sunday,” in churches across the United States. “First Sunday” is traditionally Communion Sunday, when Jesus’ disciples pause to remember Gethsemane, His crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Millions of church goers will “Do this in remembrance of me.” I recently read Choose Love, Not Power, authored by Anthony Campolo. In the book, Campolo relates a story about Communion from his childhood. He and his family were seated behind a lady who became noticeably uneasy as the pastor preached about sin, some of which the lady was apparently guilty. She wept and refused to take a piece of bread and a cup when the symbols of Jesus’ body and blood passed through the pew where she sat. As he observed the lady refusing to partake, Dr. Compolo’s father leaned over the pew and said, “You take it! He did it for you!”
If we were in Philadelphia this weekend, Pat and I would attend a Philly Pops concert on Independence Mall. It is always world class. She and I will never forget the display of fireworks in New York City. We have made plans to be in church this Sunday and I am looking forward to Communion. I’ll take the emblems of the Lord’s body and blood, eat and drink, because “He did it for me.” National freedom has been secured with many lives. Eternal freedom has been purchased by One. I don’t ever want to forget or become spiritually callous, but remember deeply, observe deliberately, and worship humbly.
We’ll see you in church! “He did it for you!”
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